Losing Stefon Diggs for the season means other receivers have big cleats to fill to replace him

Stroud, who has been forced to throw under near-constant pressure, will look for his fellow receivers to step up Thursday night. John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson and Robert Woods have combined for 14 receptions, 146 yards and no touchdowns.

Stroud will also throw to tight ends Dalton Schultz (23 catches, 223 yards) and Cade Stover (7 for 85), who are key parts of coordinator Bobby Slowik’s offense.

“We like the guys we have,” Ryans said. “They’ve worked to understand how we do things, so we’re excited to see who steps up next.

“One thing that sticks out (is) all those guys (in) our last game are winning their one-on-one opportunities and playing the way you’re supposed to play.”

Although the Jets are 2-6 with a five-game losing streak, they are fourth in defense, including 17^th against the run and number two against the pass.

Without Collins and Diggs, look for running backs Joe Mixon and Dare Ogunbowale to play prominent roles in the passing game. Ogunbowale has 15 catches for 155 yards (10.3 average) and a touchdown. Mixon has 14 receptions for 115 yards (8.2 avg.) and a touchdown.